Indian Railways: 5 rules every frequent train traveler should know
Indian Railways, which started its services 169 years ago, is considered the country's most economical mode of transportation. With its 1,15,000 km track length, it is Asia's largest rail network. Interestingly, around 23 million passengers travel on Indian Railways daily, which is equivalent to Australia's population. To ensure a hassle-free journey, the railways have set up certain rules that every passenger should know.
Passengers who are allotted middle berth seats cannot keep the berth up beyond the sleeping hours that is 9 pm to 6 am. If they do so, it's actually an offense. Once, the sleeping hours end, the middle berth should be lowered so that co-passengers can sit comfortably. Also, passengers of side-upper birth don't have any claim on the side-lower berth during sleeping hours.
If passengers miss their train at the boarding station, they still have the chance to get the reserved seats. The TTE is not allowed to allocate a passenger's seat to others for at least one hour or until the train passes the next two stops (whichever is earliest). Beyond the second station, the TTE is free to assign seats to any RAC/WL passengers.
Many passengers are compelled to book tickets to a station before their original destination, thanks to the unavailability of tickets in peak season! However, there is a rule allowing the extension of the journey. Just approach the TTE before reaching the destination. The TTE will collect the extra fare and issue a ticket for the forward journey. But, you may get a different berth/seat.
Sometimes the train journey is short-terminated due to natural calamities/technical problems. If the railways do not have a backup arrangement, they will refund you the full fare. However, if you are not willing to take the alternate train, then the fare for the traveled section will be cut and the remaining balance will be refunded after handing over the ticket to the Station Master.
According to the Railways Act of 1989, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) authorized vendors cannot sell packaged food items, beverages, or water bottles above the MRP. This is an offense. If you find anyone doing so, immediately register a complaint at the railways toll-free numbers 139 or 1800111321. The vendor would be charged a hefty penalty and his license may get canceled.
TTEs cannot disturb passengers after 10 pm (except in special cases). The verification of tickets must be completed before 10 pm. You can complain about untidy washrooms/coaches on cleanmycoach.com. The maintenance team will be ready at the next station to serve you. Also, locomotive pilots don't have washrooms in engines even today. They have to ignore nature's calls in order to avoid train delays.
